Over the weekend, East Side Union High School District celebrated STEMpalooza! East Side's inaugural science fair competition allowed students to present their science ingenuity with a display of months-long projects. The goal of STEMpalooza! is to provide a platform for all ESUHSD students to engage in authentic research in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, and computer science and to showcase their passion for STEM. Over 700 students were in attendance at 2024's STEMpalooza! | |
Leading up to the event, students work with teacher advisors to develop a project in one of six categories: 1) Climate Change / Air Quality / Sustainability 2) Computer Science, 3) Data Analysis, 4) Engineering, 5) Life Science, and 6) Physical Science. At the fair, students had the ability to highlight the science and technical skills gained throughout their project development while also fostering their critical thinking, writing, communication, and collaboration skills. | |
The lead organizers for the event were Vanessa Vitug, ESUHSD's Science Coordinator, Lawrence Yee, ESUHSD's Math Coordinator, along with Raquel Ornelas (Retired Counselor), and Debra Dimas, Physics Teacher at ESUHSD. | |
NEW ADA Ramp and trail at Berryessa Community Center | |
For years, residents have needed an ADA ramp leading from the parking lot at the Berryessa Community Center to the trails and meadow behind the community center. When this was brought to our attention less than a year ago, my staff began working on getting this project started. Now it's here, and people using wheelchairs, pushing strollers, and riding bikes have an easy, safe way to gain access to this beautiful park's amenities. | |
Highlighting Youth Voices: On Climate | |
We all know how important climate change truly is: a global dilemma affecting weather patterns and jeopardizing biodiversity across our planet. While many recognize its profound consequences, only a few end up taking action. In the heart of San Jose, a group of inspiring youth is stepping up to reshape our world for the present and future generations. Meet Mani Bekele, Daphne Zhu, and Vaishali Ravikumar—leaders of the San Jose Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) team. These remarkable young minds are not merely acknowledging the problem; they are igniting a movement. Through environmental awareness campaigns, groundbreaking policies, and transformative climate literacy education, SVYCA is leaving an indelible mark on San Jose's community and beyond. Daphne Zhu, a co-lead, declares that climate change is not just a threat to the future but “it’s a question of the future of our planet, our future — all of us.” If today's youth don't seize the initiative, who else will?
Mani Bekele points out that "Our older generation of leaders are largely failing to take the strong and rapid action necessary to secure our future on an ecologically stable planet." Today’s youth have more say than ever, their voice is powerful and resonant, capable of driving change."As youth, we have extraordinary power to change our futures, and we must do all that we can before it's too late," emphasizes Zhu. In a world where the youth voice often remains unheard, these three teens seized the opportunity to ensure their voices echoed loudly. SVYCA provided a platform for them to channel their passion for environmental awareness into tangible action. Bekele reflects on the impact, stating, "SVYCA means more than just making a change; they are constantly bringing a change to our community." The organization empowers young minds to address global warming on a local scale and navigate the complexities of environmental issues professionally.
For Bekele, Zhu, and Ravikumar, SVYCA is more than an organization; it's a force driving change in their community. It's about making a difference, being heard, and understanding the intricate processes behind enacting laws. Ravikumar notes, "SVYCA makes me feel heard and teaches me about the behind-the-scenes of how laws can be passed based on just students working together." Thanks to the dedication of these youths, San Jose is progressing towards a brighter, cleaner future.
From reducing vehicle emissions through sustainable transportation to joining collective efforts for climate action, teens can truly make a difference. Explore more ways to lead cleaner, environmentally friendly lives at ClimateSmartSJChallenge.org. It doesn’t take years to make a small change, together, youth can shape a cleaner, brighter future for all.
Akshadha - Student, District 4
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San Jose's oldest and most beautiful park is back in business!
Our beloved Alum Rock Park sustained some damage during the recent storms, including mud and rock slides, and downed trees. While many areas are still being repaired, the park has reopened to the public!
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Council Meeting - February 13th, 2024 | |
The next big election is March 5th, but you don't have to wait for March to vote! Check the ROV website for information on Early Voting, Voting by Mail, find a Vote Center near your home, work, or school. You don't have to go to a specific precinct polling place anymore, now you pick any Vote Center that's most convenient for you!
The primary election is important because it's how voters decide which candidates will move on to the November General Election, but in primary races where there are only two candidates, the primary election actually decides the race and means the winner of that contest doesn't have to compete in the November General. Get more information about the upcoming March 5th Primary Election HERE.
Nonpartisan Offices
- City of San José Mayor and City Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
- Judge of the Superior Court, Offices 1-25
- Board of Supervisors, Districts 2, 3 and 5
- County Central Committee
- Democratic Party (AD 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29)
- Republican Party (SD 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
- Peace & Freedom Party (SD 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
- Green Party
- City Contest
Partisan Office
- United States President Voter-Nominated Offices
- United States Senator
- United States Senator Partial/Unexpired Term
- United States Representative in Congress, Districts 16, 17, 18 and 19
- State Senator, Districts 13 and 15
- Member of the Assembly, Districts 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29
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VTA / BART Extension Meeting | |
The 2024 North San Jose / Alviso Art Show at the historic South Bay Yacht Club is open for FREE table space to display your best art!
Saturday March 30, 2024, 4pm-9pm
At the South Bay Yacht Club, 1491 Hope Street, San Jose / Alviso
Awesome FREE FOOD to all attendees, both to exhibitors as well as to Artists.
Sell art if you would like. No charge, though if you sell, we ask you to consider a tax-deductible donation to CompassPoint Mentorship, the 501(c)3 nonprofit host of the event.
Sign up for free table space online:
https://www.regathon.com/artshow
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SJFD Celebrates 170 Years in Service | |
San Jose Fire Department vehicle circa 1800's | |
The brave men and women of our San Jose Fire Department have been literally running into burning buildings for us for over 170 years now. The city and fire department celebrated this historic milestone with an exhibit in late January. I'd like to thank everyone on engines, dispatch call centers, and in firehouses all across our beautiful city for their faithful and honorable dedication to the safety of our community. Read more here! | |
Help Us Plant Some Trees Feb. 24th! | |
Community Tree Planting at Noble Park & Penitencia Creek Trailhead
Saturday, February 24, 9AM-Noon Collete Drive in front of the Berryessa Branch Library.
Join us for for some tree planting fun as we add another 22 trees to the Noble Park and Penitencia Creek region! Planting trees is a rewarding way to give back to your community, all while helping our environment and adding shade and shelter for recreation and wildlife to enjoy!
Supplies will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP here.
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We could all use a little extra space around the house this time of year, if you've got junk and clutter in your garage or yard, take advantage of this great FREE service from the City of San José! Make an appointment to get rid of old appliances and furniture, mattresses, and more. It's easy, just fill out a short form online, move your stuff to the curb, and a truck will come and take it all away! | |
Volunteer In Your Community | |
Volunteer Opportunities:
If you are interested in volunteering, we are always in need of volunteers for a wide array of events that take place in District 4! Please consider helping out your community and joining us!
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Pedrigal, at angela.pedrigal@sanjoseca.gov for more information.
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Let's Be Friends!
Get the latest from me and my staff on Instagram, Nextdoor, Facebook, and Twitter.
We post everything from emergency notifications and district specific updates to council meeting breakdowns and inside looks at life at City Hall. Got recommendations for businesses, schools, or local heroes we might want to highlight? Send us a DM!
We welcome all your feedback as comments on our posts, direct messages in our inbox, phone calls to the office. Click the links above or the icons below to connect with us.
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Nominate a District 4 Star! | |
Our annual District 4 Stars Gala is our way of honoring members of our community who've worked hard to make a positive impact in District 4. Small businesses, public servants, local leaders, and more. If you know someone you think is a Star in District 4, nominate them by clicking the button below. | |
Easily Access City Services |
San Jose 311 is your gateway to City Services from vehicle blight abatement, graffiti removal, reporting fireworks, illegal dumping, pot holes, and more.
click here to get started.
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Rebates up to 90% for Your Building Upgrades! |
Through the San José Energy Efficient Business Program, your business can receive rebates when you make certain energy-saving upgrades. These significant rebates (80-90% off!) help make the projects more affordable, and when you combine the rebates with your lower monthly energy costs, the upgrades can quickly pay for themselves.
click here to get started.
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Office of Councilmember David Cohen
200 E. Santa Clara St
San José, CA 95113
(408) 535-4904
district4@sanjoseca.gov
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